The cycle hub can accommodate up to cycle parking spaces for 27 cycles; West Midlands Combined Authority utilised the two-tier cycle racks combined with Sheffield cycle stands, although most cycle racks / stands can be used.
Distinctive Cycle Hub Design
A defining feature of this project is its highly distinctive roof structure. The complex sinusoidal form, often likened to an armadillo shell, was engineered to provide both visual impact and structural performance. This approach ensures the hub stands out as a civic asset rather than a purely functional enclosure.
Key design characteristics include:
• Sculptural roof form that creates a strong architectural presence
• Fully enclosed cycle compound for all-weather protection
• A design that balances transparency with security
As a showcase example of cycle hub design, it demonstrates how bespoke engineering can elevate everyday infrastructure.
Secure Cycle Parking for Public Environments
Security was a core requirement of the brief. The hub was designed to function as a secure cycle parking facility suitable for unattended public locations.
Security features can include:
• Smartcard-controlled access
• Integrated CCTV coverage
• Internal and external lighting to improve visibility
• Enclosed perimeter to deter unauthorised access
This makes the hub suitable as a bike storage hub for commuters who require confidence that their bicycles are protected throughout the day.
Capacity and Internal Configuration
The cycle hub can accommodate up to 27 bicycles, using a combination of two-tier cycle racks and Sheffield cycle stands. The internal layout can be adapted to suit user profiles, space constraints, or operational preferences.
Benefits of this flexible approach include:
• Compatibility with most standard cycle racks and stands
• Efficient use of floor space within the cycle compound
• Ability to tailor layouts for short-stay or long-stay parking
The hub can be paired with Broxap’s wider range of cycle parking products to deliver a fully integrated solution.
Materials, Engineering, and Manufacture
Designed and manufactured in the UK, the hub reflects Broxap’s experience as a cycle hub manufacturer delivering complex, one-off structures. The roof form required detailed technical design and precision fabrication to achieve both its visual impact and long-term durability.
Materials and finishes are selected to withstand exposure in busy urban environments, with a focus on longevity and reduced maintenance.
Installation and Typical Use Cases
This type of cycle hub is intended for permanent installation in high-profile locations. Typical applications include:
• Transport interchanges and rail stations
• City centre cycle compounds
• Park-and-ride facilities
• Major employment or education campuses
It is often specified alongside wayfinding, lighting, and other public realm elements to create a cohesive mobility hub.
A Landmark Cycle Hub Solution
The West Midlands Combined Authority cycle hub illustrates how secure cycle infrastructure can be both functional and architecturally ambitious. By combining advanced cycle shelter design, strong security credentials, and bespoke engineering, it provides a compelling model for authorities and developers seeking to invest in high-quality cycling facilities.